A mother from Los Angeles has ignited a lively discussion about parenting styles at playgrounds, advocating for a more hands-off approach. Beth Crosby, who has a 9-year-old daughter named Grace, believes that playgrounds should serve as a space for children to explore their social skills independently while parents supervise from a distance. In a video she shared on social media, Crosby openly declared her “unpopular opinion,” stating, “I know I’m going to get hate for it… I don’t play with my kid at the park. Period.”
Crosby explains that she views these outings as a chance for Grace to “make friends and burn off energy,” while she enjoys a moment of respite. “It’s a break for me, even if I’m just staring off into the void for two minutes,” she noted in her remarks to TODAY.com.
The video resonated with many of her followers, who expressed agreement with her perspective. “Amen. It’s recess time – go run and be social!” one supporter commented. Others echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of allowing children to engage with their peers independently. “My son loves making temporary friends at the park + I enjoy watching the magic of childhood,” another follower remarked.
Crosby acknowledges that while she restricts Grace’s device use, which keeps her actively engaged in other activities such as baking and biking, the park represents her time to recharge. “So when I decide to take my kid to the park, honeyyyyyyy that is MY TIME,” she emphasized in her video caption.
Responses from the Community
While many parents applauded Crosby’s approach, some criticized her for being overly harsh toward those who choose to engage more directly with their children. One commenter shared a personal experience: “When my kids were park-aged, I worked lots of weird hours as a healthcare professional. I wasn’t a stay-at-home mom, so when I DID get to take them to the park, it was our time.” This perspective highlights the varied circumstances families face, prompting a more nuanced understanding of parental involvement.
Crosby’s method has led to the formation of meaningful relationships. “I met two of my very best mom friends, women I never would have crossed paths with otherwise,” she shared, describing how these connections emerged while allowing Grace to navigate the social landscape of the playground independently.
Expert Insights on Playground Dynamics
Parenting expert Dr. Deborah Gilboa supports Crosby’s viewpoint, suggesting that playgrounds should primarily be viewed as environments for children to develop resilience and creativity. “You’re there to make sure the kids follow safety rules and to help if someone gets hurt, but you don’t need to be the swimmer,” she explained. Dr. Gilboa added that even solitary playtime can be beneficial, stating, “A new space with physical challenges along with the chance to be a little bored, use their imagination and make their own fun, builds all kinds of resilience, creativity and brain power.”
Ultimately, the conversation sparked by Crosby’s video reflects a broader dialogue about parenting roles and expectations in communal spaces. As parents navigate the complexities of raising children in today’s world, the balance between supervision and independence remains a critical topic of discussion.